World War two veterans honoured for their service |12 June 2020
Mr Jolicoeur accepting the cheque from Major Baronne in the presence of PS Bonne (Photo: Thomas Meriton)
It has been 75 years since 750 young Seychellois men took part in the Second World War. Some stayed home on standby while others like France Joubert and Samuel Jolicoeur travelled to Egypt, Libya and even Italy as part of the British army during the Second World War.
Decades later, that number has dwindled down to only two remaining veterans in Seychelles.
As a way to honour Mr Jolicoeur and Mr Joubert, the two remaining veterans, and also provide some support to them during COVID-19, the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Servicemen League rewarded them with a cheque for their contributions during the war fought from 1939 to 1945.
The cheque was presented to both men at their respective residence by the board of trustees of Seychellois ex-Servicemen Funds chairman, Major Andre Baronne, in the presence of the principal secretary for family affairs, Marie Josée Bonne who also serves as treasurer on the board.
“This presentation is special because we are commemorating 75 years since the end of World War II and our charity organisation in the United Kingdom (UK) sent notice throughout the Commonwealth asking for the names of veterans who were still alive and we provided them with the names of our two remaining veterans,” said Major Baronne.
He added that this cash reward is deserved for the service and sacrifice of both Mr Jolicoeur and Mr Joubert.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Mr Jolicoeur, who is now 98 years old and enlisted in the army when he was only 19, proudly said he joined the British army in 1941 and was involved in World War II.
“I fought in North Africa – Egypt, Tripoli (in Libya) – and even in Italy following the allied forces invasion in September 1943,” said Mr Jolicoeur.
He also reminisced about his fellow comrades during the war and how he felt when he was caught in the middle of a bombing attack.
After his time in the army Mr Jolicoeur lived a somewhat normal life where he spent 18 years working for the education department as a messenger, he recounted his many responsibilities in that position such as collecting school funds and bringing messages to various institutions.
“After my time as a messenger for the education department I transferred to the governor’s office, at that time the governor was the head of state instead of the president,” Mr Jolicoeur added.
Due to old age he can no longer live the active life he used to and he mainly stays at home.
He thanked everyone for this token and added that he will use it for his medical costs and to buy his medicine.
As for Mr Joubert, although he was camera shy and did not want to speak to the press, he shared the same sentiment as his comrade.
Christophe Zialor